Cuban Yuleidys La O Terrero repeated his triumph in the men’s marathon corresponding to the 37th edition of Marabana, considered the main marathon race in Cuba, where more than 3,100 runners participated.
For the second consecutive year, La O Terrero won the distance of 42 kilometers (km) and 195 meters (m), now with a time of two hours, 46 minutes and 13 seconds, ahead of Mexico’s Hidelberto Flores (2:49:22) and another runner from Cuba, Alberni Clavel (2:53:17), who followed him at the finish line located in front of the Ramón Fonst multipurpose hall in this capital city.
At the end of the grueling race, the double champion was very happy for his victory, especially when days before he had planned to compete in the half marathon, but in the end he decided to try his luck again in the longer race and was able to win.
He added that throughout the race he gave himself encouragement and strength to go on; it was not easy especially because I did not have much preparation, although I managed to impose myself and I feel very satisfied, said the runner from the province of Holguín to the press.
My strategy was not to get desperate, to go at my own pace and close to those who were ahead in the peloton, to then press the pace and take advantage as I did, he said.
He also referred to the benefits of the start at 6 a.m., because the sun does not punish them and the temperature is quite pleasant, he said.
Finally, he said he was happy because by winning this race he will receive an invitation to the Berlin Marathon in Germany, which is undoubtedly very stimulating, he concluded.
Among the women, the 42 km and 195 m had two Estonian representatives, Moonika Pilli and Kaili Ratsep, first and third, in that order.
Pilli dominated this race with a time of three hours, 13 minutes and 10 seconds, followed by the Cuban Danieys Piñero (3:44:21) and Ratsep (3:53:18).
Also, in the 21 km and 097 m, the hosts Milena Pérez (1:21:55) and Francisco Ronnei Estévez (1:06:55) were successful.
Moving on to the 10 km, Meury Melissa Bacallao (0:38:28 minutes) won for the women and Maher Salah Mahroos (0:32:11) for the men.
Marabana 2023 was dedicated in a special way to the centenary of the birth of José Ramón Fernández (1923-2019), honorary president for life of the Cuban Olympic Committee.
Likewise, this traditional event celebrated the Day of Physical Culture and Sports, and the 504th anniversary of the foundation of the Villa de San Cristóbal de la Habana.
In its 37th edition, of the more than 3,100 participants, some 527 were foreigners representing 47 countries.
